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10 Best Colognes for Teenage Guys & Young Men in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Age should never be a factor when it comes to smelling good.

People of all ages should aspire to dress nice and smell the part.

Everyone wants to become more attractive, right? Then, the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to do so is to wear cologne.

Thankfully, we live in a world where there isn’t a dearth of quality options to choose from, irrespective of the product type.

The market is saturated with fragrances suitable for every age group.

Now, as a teenage guy or a young man, navigating through the seemingly innumerable options may be overwhelming.

However, fret not as I’m here to guide you.

After countless hours of research and trials, I’ve finally compiled a list of only the best fragrances/colognes for teenage guys and young men.

Below are the top-selling scents you can choose from.

At A Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Colognes for Teenage Guys & Young Men

If you’re in a hurry, you can jump straight into our top picks (these are the colognes for teenage guys & young men that most people buy).

  • Giorgio Armani Code
  • Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male
  • Paco Rabanne 1 Million

Top 10 Best Colognes for Teenage Guys & Young Men – Our Reviews:

1. Giorgio Armani Code

Ideal for wear in the winters on account of its oriental, spicy, and woody notes, the Giorgio Armani Code is perfect for the young guy who wishes to exude confidence and romanticism everywhere he goes.

A couple of spritzes and you will immediately smell a strong burst of citrus scents—think bergamot and tangy lemon.

If you put your nose to the test, you’ll also smell black pepper scents that add a layer of sophistication to the fragrance.

After a while, the scents of olive blossom, star anise, and vanilla steal the show, offering a spicy and delicious mix.

Finally, as the scent enters its final phase, it releases powerful notes of amber, guaiac wood, and labdanum, giving the cologne a mature, more confident fragrance.

However, I’ll admit that the Code doesn’t have the best longevity, sillage range, and projection.

For those traits, you may have to look into the Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio.

The Acqua di Gio has a clean distinct smell; additionally, it is versatile and can last a long time too. 

You could even experiment with the intense Dior Sauvage or the woody Boss Bottled Intense.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Tangy Lemon, Black Pepper

Heart Notes: Olive Blossom, Star Anise, Vanilla

Base Notes: Amber, Guaiac Wood, Tonka Bean, Labdanum

2. Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male

The Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male has many things working in its favor.

This casual fragrance, best worn in the winters, is versatile enough for every occasion—clubbing, dates, or professional gatherings.

Additionally, this fragrance performs well in both crowded places and close encounters.

How does this fragrance smell like?

Well, the fragrance offers a rather fruity and citrusy opening with head notes of bergamot, lavender, mint, and pear.

When the scent enters the middle phase, you’ll then start smelling sage, black Aztec flower, and cumin.

As for the base notes, expect your nose to smell scents of vanilla, cedarwood, patchouli, and amber.

Though ideal for use in the winter, the Ultra Male is practical enough to be worn all year round.

I must also mention that this fragrance has excellent longevity.

A couple of spritzes should get you through the day without a need for reapplication.

All in all, I think the Ultra Male is arguably the best winter cologne for teenage guys.

If the Ultra Male is too strong for you, consider the Le Male version.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Lavender, Mint, Pear

Heart Notes: Sage, Black Aztec Flower, Cumin

Base Notes: Vanilla, Cedar Wood, Patchouli, Amber

3. Paco Rabanne 1 Million

There’s no case of false advertising with the Paco Rabanne 1 Million.

This cologne will have you smelling like a million dollars in record time.

Just look at its gold bar bottle—talk about over-the-top presentation!

What makes this fragrance so alluring to the younger crowd?

Well, the scent smells masculine, attractive, sexy, and luxurious—features that highly appeal to the younger generation.

I also like the fact that this fragrance is extremely strong and high performing.

A couple of sprays will be more than enough for the day.

Plus, the scent has excellent projection too.

Now, let’s get to the million-dollar question: what does it smell like?

Upon application, you’ll be greeted by head notes of mint, grapefruit, and blood mandarin.

After a brief period, you’ll also begin to detect cinnamon scents and rose and spicy notes.

Then, to add further strength to the fragrance, the base notes of leather, amber, Indian patchouli, and various woody notes enter the frame.

However, be advised that only expert cologne connoisseurs will be able to detect all those mentioned scents.

To the untrained, 1 Million will simply smell like leather, cinnamon, and citrus notes.

All in all, this cologne type is ideal for the young man looking for a strong, beastly fragrance.

I must also admit that it’s the best cologne for teenage guys in its price range.

Top Notes: Mint, Grapefruit, Blood Mandarin

Heart Notes: Cinnamon Scents, Rose Absolute, Spicy Notes

Base Notes: Leather, Amber, Indian Patchouli, Various Woody Notes

4. Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme

Widely hailed as the best daytime cologne for young men, the classic Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme Eau De Toilette is as pleasant as cologne gets.

With its positive, clean, fresh, and inoffensive scent, this cologne can uplift the spirits of the most despondent.  

What does the fragrance smell like and why is it so pleasant?

Well, the L’Homme opens up with head notes of ginger, lemon, and bergamot.

Then, the fragrance takes a rather spicy turn with the middle notes of violet, basil, spices, and white pepper.

Finally, before the fragrance disappears into thin air, it releases base notes of vetiver and cedarwood.

However, since it’s a light woody scent, you’ll have to wear more of it to get the best out of it.

A small amount won’t be enough to get you through the day.

The Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme is one fragrance that can be worn for any daytime activities, be it a lunch date with your loved one or high school/college classes.

You can also try YSL’s  L’Homme Ultime if you’re looking for something different.

Top Notes: Ginger, Lemon, Bergamot 

Heart Notes: Violet, Basil, Spices, White Pepper

Base Notes: Vetiver, Cedar Wood, Tonka Bean

Read Also: Best Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Colognes For Men

5. Calvin Klein One

The Calvin Klein One, better recognized as CK One, is a classic fragrance that is easy on the wallet.

However, don’t let its affordable pricing fool you into thinking it isn’t any good.

Appealing from the get-go because of its fresh, pleasant, clean, citrusy scent, the CK One encapsulates the exuberance of the youth impeccably, making it a best cologne scent for the younger generation.

Upon application, you’ll be greeted by citrusy and fruity notes of papaya, lemon, mandarin, and bergamot.

As the mid notes begin to take center stage, you’re then introduced to a world of violet, rose, jasmine, nutmeg, green tea, and lily of the valley.

For the drydown period, expect to smell the warm fragrances of amber, musk, and cedar.

As for its longevity and sillage range, they’re average at best, which is why the perfume is best suited for wear in the summers.

Although the unisex CK One fragrance works best in an informal setting, it can be worn for special occasions too.

Conclusively, I think the CK One is one of the best fragrances in its price range.

You simply can’t go wrong with this thing of beauty.

Top Notes: Papaya, Lemon, Mandarin, Bergamot 

Heart Notes: Violet, Rose, Jasmine, Nutmeg, Green Tea, Lily of the Valley

Base Notes: Amber, Musk, Cedar

Read Also: Best Calvin Klein Colognes For Men

6. Mercedes Benz Intense

Mercedes Benz – Intense is best suited for teen guys and younger men who want to appear mature and mysterious.

Why so?

It’s because this fragrance has a strong, woodsy smell to it which is a scent commonly reserved for men’s fragrances.

Since the scent of the Mercedes- Benz Intense is dominated by woodsy notes, I think this fragrance works best in the winters.

Young guys and men who aren’t minting money will also be highly attracted to the affordable price point of the cologne.

Despite its cheap pricing, this fragrance punches above its weight when it comes to lasting power and performance.

A couple of spritzes can easily last for a long time—over 10 hours to be precise! As a general rule, two sprays should do and be careful not to overspray.

If I were to compare this cologne to other fragrances, I think the Mercedes-Benz Intense is closest to the Dior Fahrenheit—just manlier with better presentation!

Top Notes: Italian Mandarin, Calabrian Bergamot, Violet Leaf Absolute 

Heart Notes: Violet, Cascalone, Bourbon Pepper

Base Notes: Ambrox, Patchouli, American Cedar Wood, Cetalox, Bourbon Vetiver, Limbanol 

7. Davidoff Cool Water

The Cool Water cologne has done extremely well to stand the test of time.

This summer fragrance has been available for over 3 decades; yet, it is still widely popular among young guys and men.

So, what does it smell like?

As its name suggests, this Davidoff cologne has a rather clean, fresh, aquatic fragrance, making it perfect for hot summers.

If you put your nose to the test, you will even detect notes of mint and seawater. Basically, this fragrance does a fantastic job of replenishing your energy levels in high heat.

Widely known as the knock-off version of the expensive Creed Green Irish Tweed, this Davidoff fragrance truly caters to the young market with its cheap pricing.

If affordability isn’t attractive to cash-strapped youngins, I don’t know what is.

For a different aquatic option, try the Nautica Voyage.

Top Notes: Coriander, Mint, Rosemary, Lavender, Green Notes 

Heart Notes: Sandalwood, Neroli, Jasmine, Geranium

Base Notes: Oak Moss, Tobacco, Cedar Wood, Musk, Amber

8. Versace Eros

Versace Eros is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

The first one of two Versace colognes on the list, the Versace Eros is a fantastic option for those looking for a bold, sexy, sensual fragrance.

This cologne will have you standing out wherever you go.

As soon as you put it on, you’ll be hit by notes of apple, mint, and vanilla.

Later, the scent develops into a pleasant, creamy, pepper-minty fragrance, bringing out the seductive, bold side of the cologne.

I can’t fault the Versace Eros in terms of performance either.

Capable of projecting like a monster, a few sprays of the Versace Eros will be more than enough for a sweaty night at the club.

In fact, you’ll have to be careful not to overspray this cologne because of its strong scent.

This cologne is, undoubtedly, one of the best fragrances for teenage guys in terms of strength and performance.

Top Notes: Italian Lemon, Green Apple, Mint Leaf 

Heart Notes: Geranium, Ambroxan, Venezuelan Tonka Bean

Base Notes: Vetiver, Oakmoss, Madagascan Vanilla, Atlas Cedar, Virginia Cedar

Read Also: Best Versace Colognes For Men 

9. Versace Dylan Blue

The Versace Dylan Blue, just like the previous Versace cologne, also finds its way to this list purely on merit.

This fragrance serves well all year-round and can be worn for any occasion.

One thing I like in particular about the Versace Dylan Blue fragrance is the fact that the scent develops/transitions right from the get-go through to the dry down period, with the fragrance never remaining the same, i.e. stagnant.

Upon first application, you’ll notice notes of bergamot and grapefruit.

Then, during the middle phase, the notes of black pepper, papyrus wood, ambrox, and patchouli take over.

At some point, before the end, the base notes of mineral musik, saffron, and frankincense also enter the party.

With these notes, not only do you get one sweet and spicy scent but also a fragrance that exudes sexiness and playfulness.

This Versace cologne is arguably the best cologne for a young guy in its price range.

You just can’t go wrong with this thing of beauty.

Top Notes: Grapefruit, Fig Leaf, Calabrian Bergamot, Aquatic Notes 

Heart Notes: Black Pepper, Papyrus Wood, Ambrox, Patchouli

Base Notes: Mineral Musik, Saffron, Frankincense, Tonka Bean

10. Abercrombie & Fitch First Instinct

The last one on this list is the Abercrombie & Fitch First Instinct.

Although this cologne brings plenty to the table, my favorite bit about the product is its versatility.

This fragrance can be worn everywhere including classes, casual gatherings, and formal events.

Also, the First Instinct’s sillage range, projection, and longevity aren’t too bad either.

Plus, the fact that it’s super affordable also adds to its charm.

Purchase this fragrance if you’re looking for an affordable cologne that has a young, fresh, and sexy scent. 

Top Notes: Kiwano, Gin Tonic 

Heart Notes: Citrus Notes, Violet Leaf, Sichuan Pepper

Base Notes: Amber, Suede Musk

The Bottom Line

There you have it, the best colognes for teenage guys and young men in every budget range.

Feel free to select any of the fragrances mentioned above as they are all excellent choices in their own right.

Of course, you need not limit yourself to the options mentioned on the list as there are other noteworthy colognes too, such as Dior Sauvage, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, Boss Bottled Intense, and Nautica Voyage.

Personally, I like the fragrance of Paco Rabanne One Million best.

This scent smells masculine, attractive, sexy, and luxurious—features that appeal to me the most.

Plus, the cologne has excellent projection too.

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